Windows 11 Download: How to Download and Install Windows 11 [3 Ways]

Introduce Windows 11

On June 24, 2021, Microsoft unveiled its new Windows 11 operating system that can be used on computers and tablets. On June 28th, Microsoft released the Insider Preview version. The official version may be officially launched later this year and support upgrades in 2022.

Windows 11 has made great improvements in both system functions and user interface. The main features of Windows 11 are shown below.

Brand new user interface

In appearance, Windows 11 has added a new day and night theme. The rounded corners and suspended frosted glass design make the entire interface look completely new. Windows 11 provides a brand new Start menu.

Dynamic tiles have been completely deleted, replaced by simplified "icons" and an algorithm-driven recommendation list. At the same time, the centered taskbar is nailed, whether it is newly installed or upgraded, it will appear by default. And, a switch will be provided to restore the previous usage habits.

A fresh way to connect - Microsoft Teams

For communication on Windows 11, Microsoft Teams will replace the previous Skype (the latter can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store). Compared with Skype, Microsoft Teams has more extensive functions. In addition to completing audio and video calls between teams, it can also achieve more high-end functions such as document synchronization and office collaboration.

Better gaming experience

Windows 11 gives PC gamers a much better experience than Windows 10. The new DirectX 12, auto-open Auto HDR, DirectStorage performance improved 100 times, etc., so that players get a better picture and more rapid loading speed. 

In addition to these, Windows 11 features improvements in the widget, snap layout, and tablet mode. The Microsoft Store has also been revamped, with bigger icons and a prettier interface. The new store will provide developers with more opportunities to capitalize on this new platform. Except for traditional UWP apps, the new Microsoft Store will offer.exe, PWA, .apk, and more application formats for download. And expand music, video, film, and more resources.

Related reading: How to download Windows 10 ISO file for free

Windows 11 Download Requirements

On Microsoft's official website, the software and hardware requirements for downloading and upgrading Windows 11 are clearly stated. The specific minimum system requirements are as follows.

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
• Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
• Display: >9'' with HD Resolution (720p)
• Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows 11 Home.

Then how to test if your computer is compatible with Windows 11? You can use a Windows 11 Upgrade Checker from Qiling to check if your PC or laptop meets the upgrade requirements.

The most common incompatible configuration items are:

• Boot Method: Windows 11 requires UEFI Secure Boot. If your CPU supports UEFEI boot mode, you can learn how to change legacy BIOS to UEFI.
• Disk Partition Type: Windows 11 requires the disk partition type of system disk to be GPT. If your system is in MBR, learn how to convert MBR to GPT without data loss.
• TPM: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and it should be enabled. Learn TPM for Windows 11 and how to enable it.
• Secure Boot: The secure boot on Windows 11 is required to be enabled.

How to Download Windows 11 in 3 Ways Step by Step

If your PC meets the Windows 11 minimum specifications, you can download and install Windows 11 now. But you should back up your PC to keep data safe in advance. 

Important:

Upgrading to a new operating system is rather risky. If you lose data due to improper operation, stop using your disk immediately and refer to professional Windows 11 data recovery software to get back lost files.

Method 1. Use Windows 11 Installation Assistant

To upgrade a Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, using Windows 11 Installation Assistant of Microsoft is a great choice. Make sure your PC has a Windows 10 license and runs Windows 10, version 2004 or higher. Also, ensure your PC meets the Windows 11 minimum specifications and has 9 GB of free disk space. 

Step 1. Open Microsoft's Download Windows 11 webpage. 

Step 2.Find Windows 11 Installation Assistant at the top of the page and click "Download Now".

Step 3. Run this tool as administrator. After the tool confirms your PC is compatible, select "Accept and Install" to start the installation. 

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions step by step to install Windows 11 on your computer. It may take some time to download and install the new system, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don't turn off your PC.

If you want to install Windows 11 from USB on a different PC or an ARM64 device, use Qiling Win11Builder (Now renamed Qiling OS2Go) or Microsoft's Create Windows 11 Installation Media. 

Method 2. Install Windows 11 from Bootable USB Drive

The first and the most simple way to get Windows 11 is using Qiling Windows 11 installation software, which enables you to download Windows 11 with a simple click. All you need is to prepare a USB flash drive of 4GB to download the Win11 ISO file we have prepared for you, and then you can install Windows 11 with the bootable USB drive. 

Step 1.The Win11 builder is integrated with the Qiling OS2Go software. Click the download button and launch the program after installation.

Step 2. Switch WinToGo Creator to Windows Install Drive Creator. The obtained system information is available on the home screen, and it keeps updating all the time. Apart from Windows 11, Win11 builder also supports you to download Windows 10/8.1.

Step 3.Connect your USB flash drive to the computer. Win11 builder will automatically detect your USB device, so all you need to do is click the Createbutton.

Step 4.The software will empty your USB drive data if it's a used one. Once the downloading process begins, wait there until it finished or leave for a while to do you own job.

Step 5.After successfully downloading the Windows 11 iso image file on the USB drive, start to install Windows 11 from the bootable USB drive on your computer by following the installation wizard step by step.

Method 3. Use Create Windows 11 Installation Media Tool

If you need to perform a reinstall or clean install of Windows 11 on a new or used PC, you can make it by using the "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" tool. 

Make sure that your PC meets these prerequisites:

• A stable internet connection.
• A blank DVD disc or USB drive with at least 8GB to create a bootable device. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD because the files on it will be deleted during installation.
• If you get the "disc image file is too large" message while attempting to burn a DVD bootable disc from an ISO file, consider using a higher capacity Dual Layer DVD.

Step 1. Go to Download Windows 11 page of Microsoft. Find "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" and click "Download Now". 

Step 2.Run the media creation tool as administrator to run this tool. 

Step 3.On the "What do you want to do?" page, select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO file )for another PC", and then select "Next".

Step 4.Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit) for Windows 11.

Step 5. Choose "USB flash drive" or "ISO file" to create the bootable installation media.  

Also read: How to download Winows 11 ISO file to install Windows 11

Step 6. When the process finishes. Insert the bootable USB in the PC you want to install Windows 11, and then restart it.

Step 7.Press F2, F12, Delete, or Esc (this varies by manufacturer) immediately after you turn on the computer to open the boot menu and change to boot from USB or DVD.

Step 8.Follow the instructions to finishing installing Windows 11.

Windows 11 Download FAQs

Here are more related questions about Windows 11 download. Check the answers and information.

Can I download Windows 11 right now?

Windows 11 is now available for download to Windows Insiders as a preview build.

How to download Windows 11? You can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. In the window that appears, click Check for updates. If you have joined the Windows Insider Program, the Windows 11 Insider Preview build should appear, and you can download and install it just like a  Windows 10 update.

Will I get Windows 11 for free?

If you're using Windows 10, the Windows 11 download is a free upgrade and there is no specific end date for the free upgrade service for eligible systems. Ordinary users can wait for the official version of the launch can be downloaded and installed.  

Concluding Words

This page focuses on Windows 11 download. You should first make sure that your computer meets the minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 11 and free up disk space for upgrading.

Then, download and install Windows 11 by using Windows 11 Installation Assistant, Qiling Windows 11 installation software, and Create Windows 11 Installation Media tool. 

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